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Gynecologic Cancer

September Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Risk Factors and Warning Signs

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According to the American Cancer Society, more than 19,680 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer this year.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It marks the time of year when survivors, their loved ones, and the medical community alike work to educate women about this gynecologic cancer.

Ovarian cancer will cause more than 12,740 deaths this year alone.

When the cancer is found in the early stages, around 94% of ovarian cancer patients live five years or longer.

So, why is this disease claiming so many women? Ovarian cancer lacks a medically accurate tool to provide early detection. In fact, only 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in the early stages.

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Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Women must know the risk factors of ovarian cancer and pay careful attention to changes in their bodies. All women are at risk for developing ovarian cancer, but the following can increase your risk:

  • Carrying BRCA gene mutation.
  • Advanced age.
  • Being of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
  • Family history of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs

You should see your doctor if you notice warning signs of ovarian cancer, which include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • Bloating.
  • Constipation or menstrual changes.
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
  • Fatigue, back pain.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly.
  • Upset stomach or heartburn.

Ovarian cancer has a reputation as a “silent killer.” Hopefully, that reputation will change, and more will be done to raise awareness of the symptoms, warning signs, and risk factors of the disease.

Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie shined a light on ovarian cancer in 2013 when she announced that she planned to have her ovaries removed after discovering she had the BRCA1 gene. The presence of this gene meant that she had a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer and prompted her to plan to have her ovaries removed.

It’s important that all women understand their risk of developing ovarian cancer and take steps to decrease their risks. To learn more about ovarian cancer and the latest developments in the field, visit the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center website or call 412-647-2811.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

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